Jacksonville jaguars drop 7th straight game in Jake Luton’s 1st start
The Jacksonville Jaguars start the Jake Luton era with a frustrating loss.
Coming out of their Bye Week, we expected to see the Jacksonville Jaguars show some tangible progress in their Week 9 matchup against the Houston Texans. In retrospect, there were some encouraging signs, but we also saw some of the same issues that have been hindering the team throughout the season.
The biggest change heading into the game was that rookie Jake Luton got the starting nod at quarterback with Gardner Minshew II out. Head coach Doug Marrone said during the week that he didn’t know how the signal-caller would fare on the football field.
Looking back, Luton showed made some nice throws and some head-scratching mistakes in his NFL debut, but nobody will take away the fact that his second pass was a 73-yard touchdown completion to wide receiver D.J. Chark. He ended the game with 26 completions for 304 yards, one touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and one interception.
The Jaguars tested the Oregon State standout’s arm and took a few shots downfield. He stood tall on the pocket and frequently displayed poise when he had a clean pocket. However, he struggled to keep composure when the pocket collapsed, just like most rookies would. All in all, the team’s brass should be pleased with how their first-year quarterback performed.
James Robinson was a bright spot for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense.
Running back James Robinson got the ball a lot and was his self-efficient self. He broke a few long runs and scored his fifth touchdown of the season early in the first quarter. He ended the game with 25 carries for 99 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver D.J. Chark Jr. had a solid game as well. With Laviska Shenault Jr. leaving the game early, Luton favored the third-year wideout, who caught seven passes for 146 yards and one touchdown. Moving toward, Jaguars fans should be excited about the team’s young core.
How did the Jacksonville Jaguars lose this one?
In the middle of the third quarter, Luton threw a pass to tight end James Shaughnessy that Texans cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III intercepted. The Texans seized the turnover and promptly put together a three-play, 81-yard drive that ended in a touchdown and gave them a 27-16 lead. If there was one game in which the Jaguars couldn’t afford to turn the ball over, it was this one, but they did.
Trailing by eight points, the Jaguars failed to convert a fourth-and-1 attempt and gave the Texans a short field. Even though Houston didn’t get any points out of it, that’s the kind of plays the Jaguars need to make if they want to win games.
The Jaguars made some stops and we could see a sense of urgency in their front four. Nevertheless, they allowed 27 points and gave up some big plays. On the bright side, the unit registered two sacks and recovered a fumble.
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Down 19-27, Luton led a furious comeback drive and had a 13-yard scramble that ended in a touchdown. The Jaguars then attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game but it failed, and so did their onside kick afterward. That was the end of it and the ‘Jags’ lost the game 27-25.